Checking in with Rags Morales - 'Super/Bat'

By Vaneta Rogers October 16, 2008 05:06am ET

Superman/Batman #54

At the recent Baltimore Comic Con, Rags Morales was doing sketches at his table and talking about his new gig as artist on Superman/Batman starting with issue #53. The series, written by Green Lantern
movie writer Michael Green and TV executive Mike Johnson, will kick off
a new four-part storyline with Morales' art, “Super/Bat,” which sees Batman gain the powers of a Kryptonian, while Superman stands powerless.

"Silver Banshee shows up in the first issue, then we run around with
Bane for a little bit," Morales said. "And in the story, Superman and
Batman switch powers. So that's pretty crazy. It's a pretty cool story.
I'm enjoying it a lot."
Morales said the upbeat and dynamic style of the scripts from Green and Johnson have been a welcome change for him.

"You don't realize, sometimes, when you're doing all these things with
the crossovers and the serious stories just how dark they are until you
see another script that's different. Another story that's got this kind
of energy," he said. "Then you realize, wow, we are doing things that
are kind of on the dark side. And when you're immersed in it, you don't
see it. It's like when you're with somebody and they lose weight, you
don't see it until someone else says something. But they write some
really cool stuff. They're very fun to work with, and they're terrific
guys. And they're really enjoying what I'm doing."

Morales said he's on the series for at least these four issues,
although he's not sure if he'll be working on the series longer. But in
the meantime, he said he's found a colorist on Superman/Batman whose
work has him impressed.

"I've got to give props to a new professional. Nei Ruffino is going to
be doing the coloring. I'm very proud of working with her. She has a
good knack for atmosphere and seeing where you're coming from
artistically. She's definitely adding another layer. She's somebody to
be looking out for. You're going to enjoy her work," he said. Check above for the first two pages of #53, as well as a picture of Morales and a familiar friend at Baltimore.

After this Superman/Batman story, Morales said he's been told he'll do "some sort of back-up story" for the Secret Files tie-in issue to Final Crisis.

"Beyond that I have a few things in the works. Nothing that's been solidified," he said.